Electronic device using auxiliary input device and operating method thereof

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes a display for detecting touch input, and at least one processor for recognizing a type of an auxiliary input device placed on the display. A method for utilizing the electronic device includes detecting via a touch screen a type of an auxiliary input device placed on a display based on a configuration of at least one or more conductors on the auxiliary input device, detecting an input event generated by the auxiliary input device, and executing via a processor at least one function of an executing program corresponding to the detected input event.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/941,392 filed Mar. 30, 2018 which claims the benefit of the earlierU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/570,302 filed Dec. 15, 2014 andassigned U.S. Pat. No. 10,198,172 issued on Feb. 5, 2019 which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to a Korean patent application filedin the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Dec. 18, 2013 and assignedSerial No. 10-2013-0158062, the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to an electronic deviceusing an auxiliary input device and an operating method thereof.

BACKGROUND

In general, portable electronic devices are increasingly portable andsupport a variety of functions. For example, the electronic devices canperform various functions such as alarm, short messaging service,Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), e-mail, game, short-rangecommunication remote control, image capturing using an embedded digitalcamera, multimedia function for providing audio and video contents, andscheduling.

The more a portable electronic device diversifies its function, the morecompetitive it will be in the marketplace. For example, users generallyprefer the slimmer portable electronic device with a simpler userinterface capable of executing the same set of functions. Accordingly,portable electronic device manufacturers compete to develop slimmer andsimpler devices relative to other products with the same or betterfunctions.

Hence, an interface for executing and controlling the various functionsof a portable electronic device is in high demand, although there is alimit to the configuration of the physical user interface forfacilitating various input functions in a slim electronic device.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic device usingan auxiliary input device and an operating method thereof.

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide anelectronic device using an auxiliary input device configured toefficiently execute a function of the electronic device at a lowmanufacturing cost, and an operating method thereof.

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide anelectronic device using an auxiliary input device for assisting theelectronic device without using a separate power supply, and anoperating method thereof.

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide anelectronic device using an auxiliary input device with easy manipulationand operation by excluding a complicated physical connection structure,and an operating method thereof.

In one aspect of this disclosure, a method in an electronic device isdisclosed, the method including detecting via a touch screen a type ofan auxiliary input device placed on a display based on a configurationof at least one or more conductors on the auxiliary input device,detecting an input event generated by the auxiliary input device, andexecuting via a processor at least one function of an executing programcorresponding to the detected input event.

In another aspect of this disclosure, an auxiliary input device for usewith an electronic device comprising is disclosed, including acylindrical fixing body providing a rotational axis, a rotary knobmounted on the cylindrical fixing body and rotating around therotational axis, and one or more conductors disposed on a surface of therotary knob configured to be proximate to a touch display of theelectronic device. In some variations, the auxiliary input device issued with an electronic device, which includes the touch display fordetecting touch input, and at least one processor configured torecognize a type of the auxiliary input device placed on the displaybased on a configuration of the conductors, detect an input eventgenerated by the auxiliary input device, and execute a functioncorresponding to an executing program in response to the detected inputevent.

When detecting the input of the auxiliary input device, the electronicdevice can identify the running program and display the corresponding UIon the display.

The disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses example embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exampleembodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device using an auxiliaryinput device according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the auxiliary input device from aboveaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the auxiliary input device from belowaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary input device accordingto an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic device according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C, and FIG. 6D are diagrams of the auxiliaryinput device according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, and FIG. 7D are diagrams of the auxiliaryinput device according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8C are diagrams of the auxiliary input deviceaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C are diagrams of the auxiliary input deviceaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are diagrams of the auxiliary input deviceaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for operating the auxiliary inputdevice of the electronic device according to an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for operating the auxiliary inputdevice of the electronic device according to an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood torefer to like parts, components and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exampleembodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely example.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the embodiments described hereincan be made without departing from the ambit of the disclosure. Inaddition, descriptions of well-known functions and implementations maybe omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of thedisclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of example embodiments of the presentdisclosure is provided for illustration purpose and not for the purposeof limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes referenceto one or more of such surfaces.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic,parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations orvariations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error,measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those ofskill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effectthe characteristic was intended to provide.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronicdevice based on a touch screen which concurrently allows input throughan input device and display through a display part on a single physicalscreen. Herein, the term ‘display part’ can be replaced by ‘display’.Although the display and the input device are separated in theelectronic device, the display can include the input device or the inputdevice can be referred to as the display. Further, the display can bereferred to as the touch screen (device).

The present disclosure is not limited to the electronic device includingthe touch screen and but applicable to various electronic devices. Forexample, the present disclosure can be applied to an electronic devicewhich physically separates the display and the input device.

The present disclosure provides, but not limited to, the electronicdevice including the touch screen as the display and at least one camerafor imaging a subject. For example, the electronic device can employvarious devices including the touch screen, that is, a Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, anetbook, a Mobile Internet Device (MID), an Ultra Mobile PersonalComputer (UMPC), a tablet PC, a navigation device, and an MP3 player.

The auxiliary input device employs a wheel-type input device to assistor lead an application function of the electronic device. Herein, theauxiliary input device can be referred to as an Application accessory(Appsessory).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device using an auxiliaryinput device according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

A display 101 is disposed on a front side of the electronic device 100,a speaker 102 for receiving other party's voice is disposed above thedisplay 101, and a microphone 103 for sending a user's voice to theother party is disposed below the display 101. Thus, a basiccommunication function can be fulfilled. The display 101 can employ atouch screen for concurrently processing the input and the output in thesame area.

Components for various functions of the electronic device 100 can bedisposed around the speaker 102 of the electronic device 100. Suchcomponents can include a Video Telephony (VT) camera 105 for VTcommunication with the other party. At least one sensor module 104 canvariably operate the electronic device 100 according to a surroundingenvironment. The sensor module 104 can include a light sensor fordetecting an ambient light and automatically adjusting brightness of thedisplay 101 according to the detected light, and/or a proximity sensorfor deactivating the display 101 when detecting a head portion of theuser during the call.

An auxiliary input device 20 can be disposed on the display 101. Theauxiliary input device 20 can be placed on the display 101 at anylocation on the display area. For example, the auxiliary input device 20can be disposed at various locations according to a running program.

Once the auxiliary input device 20 is put on the display 101, theelectronic device 100 can detect and identify a type of the auxiliaryinput device 20, and display a corresponding User Interface (UI) on thescreen or receive a corresponding input event. By merely rotating arotary knob of the auxiliary input device 20 based on a rotation axis X,the electronic device 100 can detect the rotation and perform acorresponding function of the running program. By contrast, when theauxiliary input device 20 is detached from the display 101, theelectronic device 100 may detect the separation and perform its standardfunctions.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the auxiliary input device from aboveaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 isa perspective view of the auxiliary input device from below according toan example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is across-sectional view of the auxiliary input device according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the auxiliary input device 20 can beformed in a cylindrical shape. The auxiliary input device 20 can includea shaft fixing body 22 having a certain diameter, and a rotary knob 21surrounding an outer surface of the fixing body 22. The fixing body 22can penetrate the hollow rotary knob 21 and rotate relative to thefixing body 22.

The rotary knob 21 can be formed of, but is not limited to, aninsulation material. This is to prevent an input of an incorrectfunction when a touch panel of the display 101 detects the metallicrotary knob 21. The rotary knob 21 may be formed of a metallic materialand a portion contacting the display 101 may be formed of an insulationmaterial. The outer surface of the rotary knob 21 may be knurled toincrease friction and to facilitate manipulation.

A plurality of conductors 2111 can be disposed in a bottom side 211 ofthe rotary knob 21 on the surface designed to contact the display 101.The conductor 2111 is a touch area which is detected by the touch panelof the display 101. While the conductors 2111 are disposed to atparticular intervals to make 7 touch areas, the conductors 2111 may bedisposed in various numbers and in various structures. When theauxiliary input device 20 is put on the display 101, the electronicdevice 100 may recognize a touch pattern and detect the auxiliary inputdevice 20 according to a size and the placement of the auxiliary inputdevice 20. The display 101 may recognize multi-contact touch, recognizethe touch pattern using at least one of the location, the size, or thenumber of the conductors 2111, and detect the placement of the auxiliaryinput device 20 by calculating touch coordinates.

The rotary knob 21 can further include at least one indicator 2112. Theindicator 2112 may pass through the bottom surface to the top surface ofthe rotary knob 21, and may be exposed on the top surface. The indicator2112 may be formed of an optical waveguiding material capable of guidinglight of the display 101 to the top surface of the indicator 2112 whenthe auxiliary input device 20 is disposed on the display 101. Forexample, the indicator 2112 may be formed of an acrylic material or anoptical fiber. For example, the indicator 2112 may be formed using aninsert-molding process when the rotary knob 21 is manufactured.

The cylindrical fixing body 22 may be formed of a synthetic resinmaterial. For example, the cylindrical fixing body 22 may be formed of ametallic material, and the bottom side contacting the display 101 may beformed of an insulation material. For example, a fixing pad 221 of greatfriction such as rubber or silicon may be attached to the bottom side ofthe fixing body 22 to maximize the friction when the auxiliary inputdevice 20 is disposed on the display 101. For example, when theauxiliary input device 20 is disposed on the display 101, the fixingbody 22 may be fixed onto the display 101 and the rotary knob 21 mayrotate clockwise or counterclockwise based on the fixing body 22.

The cylindrical fixing body 22 may include a conductive shaft 223 whichvertically penetrates the center of the cylindrical fixing body 22. Anupper region of the conductive shaft 223 may be relatively wider than alower region. The upper region of the conductive shaft 223 may beexposed through the top side of the auxiliary input device 20, and thelower region may contact the surface of the display 101. The lowerregion of the conductive shaft 223 may be formed in an area that isdesigned to not be detected by the touch display, even when it contactsthe display 101. The conductive shaft 223 may thus be detected by theelectronic device 100 when the user simultaneously touches the upperregion.

The rotary knob 21 and the fixing body 22 may be assembled to rotatetogether. For example, an inner surface of the rotary knob 21 mayinclude, but is not limited to, a recess 214, and an outer surface ofthe fixing body 22 may include, but is not limited to, a projection 224to be received in the recess 214. Various coupling structures forrotating the rotary knob 21 without leaving the fixing body 22 may beapplied.

When the auxiliary input device 20 is placed on the display 101 of theelectronic device 100, the fixing body 22 may be secured by the fixingpad 221 so it does not move relative to the display 101; the rotary knob21 thus rotates relative to the fixing body 22. To facilitate thisrotation, the bottom surface of the rotary knob 21 may be coated with amaterial for minimizing the friction between the bottom surface of therotary knob 21 and the touch screen. For example, a bottom end of therotary knob 21 may be disposed higher than a bottom end of the fixingbody 22, resulting in less or no contact with the touch screen. However,a height difference “g” between the rotary knob 21 and the fixing body22 should be in a range where the electronic device 100 is still capableof detecting the conductor 2111 of the rotary knob 21.

For example, when the auxiliary input device 20 is disposed on thedisplay 101 of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 maysense the auxiliary input device 20 on the display 101 includinginformation such as at least one of the pattern, the size, or the numberof the conductors 2111 disposed below the rotary knob 21. For example,the electronic device 100 may display a UI corresponding to the detectedauxiliary input device 20 according to a presently executing program.For example, the electronic device 100 may display a UI on the display101 so that the user can intuitively perceive the function of theauxiliary input device 20. For example, when the user rotates the rotaryknob 21 clockwise or counterclockwise, the electronic device 100 mayperform the corresponding function by detecting the movement of theconductors of the rotary knob 21 on the touch screen. For example, whenthe user touches the top of the fixing body 22, the electronic device100 may perform the corresponding function by recognizing the touch as a“soft touch button” or software-based button. For example, theelectronic device 100 may perform a corresponding function based ondetection of a rotation speed of the rotary knob 21.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic device according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the electronic device 100 can include a memory110, a processor unit 120, an Input Output (IO) controller 130, adisplay 131, an input device 132, an audio processor 133, acommunication system 136, and a communication subsystem 140. Thesecomponents can communicate with each other through one or morecommunication buses or signal lines 108.

The memory 110 includes a program storage 111 for storing a program tocontrol operations of the electronic device 100, and a data storage 112for storing data generating in the program execution. The memory 110 canstore data generated by the program in a processor 122.

For example, the data storage 112 may include database information usedfor the processor 122 to determine relevant programs executed by a touchrecognition control program 117, and setup information utilized toconfigure Graphic User Interface (GUI) when the display 131 displays therelated programs. For example, the data storage 112 may store variousfunction information of the auxiliary input device 20 according to thecorresponding program. For example, the function information may have adifferent mapping value according to the corresponding program. Forexample, the data storage 112 may map and store the function informationof an application program installed to the electronic device 100 and thefunction information of the auxiliary input device 20.

The program storage 111 may include an application program 113, a GUIprogram 114, a communication control program 115, an IO control program116, the touch recognition control program 117, and an auxiliary inputdevice operating program 118. Herein, the program contained in theprogram storage 111 may be referred as an instruction set which is a setof instructions.

The application program 113 may include at least one software componentfor at least one application program installed in the electronic device100.

The GUI may 114 can include at least one software component forproviding the GUI on the display 131. For example, the GUI program 114may control to display application program information driven by theprocessor 122 on the display 131.

The communication control program 115 may include at least one softwarecomponent for controlling communication with one or more otherelectronic devices using the communication system 136 and/or thecommunication subsystem 140. For example, the communication controlprogram 115 may discover other electronic device to communicate. Upondiscovering the other electronic device to communicate, thecommunication control program 115 can establish the connection tocommunicate with the other electronic device.

The IO control program 116 may display the operation of the electronicdevice 100 on the display 131, and receive an operation command of theelectronic device 100 from the outside through the input device 132.Although it is not depicted, the input device 132 may include theauxiliary input device 20. When detecting no running application programand sensing the auxiliary input device 20, the electronic device 100 maycontrol to assist a default input function of the system.

The touch recognition control program 117 may move, store, magnify, ordemagnify image information displayed on the display according to thetouch input under the control of the processor 122. The touchrecognition control program 117 may recognize the plurality of theconductors of the rotary knob 21 of the auxiliary input device 20, asthe touch area. When the rotary knob 21 of the auxiliary input device 20rotates, the touch recognition control program 117 may detect themovement of the touch area of the conductors disposed below and provideits information to the processor 122 so as to perform the correspondingfunction of the running application program.

The electronic device 100 may include one or more memories 110.According to a purpose, the memory 110 may function as the programstorage 111, the data storage 112, or both. A physical internal area ofthe memory 110 may not be distinctly divided according to devicecharacteristics.

The processor unit 120 can include a memory interface 121, at least oneprocessor 122, and a peripheral interface 123. Herein, the memoryinterface 121, the at least one processor 122, and the peripheralinterface 123 of the processor unit 120 may be integrated onto at leastone integrated circuit or implemented using separate components.

The memory interface 121 may control access of the component such asprocessor 122 or peripheral interface 123, to the memory 110.

The peripheral interface 123 may control the connection between aninput/output peripheral of the electronic device 100 and the processor122 and the memory interface 121.

The processor 122 controls the electronic device 100 to provide variousmultimedia and communication services using at least one softwareprogram, to display the IO controller 130 to display the GUI of theelectronic device on the display 131, and to forward the command inputfrom the outside of the electronic device 100, to the input device 132.In so doing, the processor 122 may execute at least one program storedin the memory 110 and control to provide the service according to thecorresponding program.

The processor 122 may identify the running program according to theauxiliary input device 20 placed on the display 101 of the electronicdevice 100, and provide the input function corresponding to the program.The processor 122 may control to display the input function of auxiliaryinput device 20, on the display 131. The processor 122 may receive fromthe touch recognition control program 117 the touch informationaccording to the rotation of the rotary knob, and control to perform thecorresponding function of the running program.

The audio processor 133 may provide an audio interface between the userand the electronic device 100 through the speaker 134 and the microphone135. The audio processor 133 may output the input of the auxiliary inputdevice 20 and its related output information, as voice under the controlof the processor 122.

The communication system 136 may connect the electronic device 100 to anexternal device using one or more antennas under the control of theprocessor 122. The communication system 136 sends/receives radio signalsfor voice call, video call, Short Messaging Service (SMS), MultimediaMessaging Service (MMS), and data communication to and from a terminalsuch as smart phone of a phone number input to the electronic device100, a tablet PC, or other portable device.

The communication subsystem 140 may include a wireless Local AreaNetwork (LAN) module 141 and a short-range communication module 142. Thewireless LAN module 141 may wirelessly access Internet via an AccessPoint (AP) under the control of the processor 122.

The IO controller 130 may provide an interface between an IO device suchas display 131 and input device 132, and the peripheral interface 123.

The input device 132 may provide input data generated by a user'sselection to the processor unit 120 through the IO processor 130. Forexample, the input device 132 may include a control button forcontrolling the electronic device 100. For example, the input device 132may include a keypad for receiving the input data from the user. Forexample, the input device 132 can include the auxiliary input device 20.

The display 131 displays status information of the electronic device100, a character input by the user, a moving picture, and a stillpicture, which are received from the processor unit 120, through the IOprocessor 130. For example, when the auxiliary input device 20 isdetected under the control of the processor 122, the display 131 maydisplay the input function corresponding to the running program inrelation to the auxiliary input device 20. When the auxiliary inputdevice 20 cannot perform the input function of the running program underthe control of the processor 122, the display 131 may display itsrelated information.

A proximity sensor 138 may detect proximity of the subject in a certaindistance from the electronic device 100 and provide detectioninformation to the processor 122. An image sensor 139, which is acomponent of the camera 1023, may capture the subject in a guide areaunder the control of the processor 122.

FIGS. 6A through 6D depict the auxiliary input device according to anexample embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a web browsingservice program is executed and the corresponding screen is displayedbased on a web address.

Referring to FIG. 6A, when the webpage is displayed and the auxiliaryinput device 20 is output on a display 101 of the electronic device 100,the corresponding UI 30 may be displayed. The displayed UI 30 may or maynot correspond in some fashion to the auxiliary input device 20 inshape. An indicator 30 of the auxiliary input device 20 may be displayedin the UI. The auxiliary input device 20 may be used to scroll thedisplayed webpage screen. Hence, the displayed UI may display an objectindicator 30 to help the user intuitively perceive the scroll functionas executed via the auxiliary input device 20.

Referring to FIG. 6B, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary input device20 is rotated clockwise, the indicator of the UI 30 is also moved to thecorresponding location and concurrently the displayed webpage can bescrolled up.

Referring to FIG. 6C, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary input device20 is rotated counterclockwise, the indicator of the UI 30 is also movedto the corresponding location and concurrently the displayed webpage canbe scrolled down.

Other functions can be executed according to the rotation of theauxiliary input device 20. For example, based on the rotation of therotary knob of the auxiliary input device 20, the webpage can beswitched.

Various functions such as bookmark and settings may be provided bytouching a conductive shaft 223 that is disposed on a fixing body 22.

When the auxiliary input device 20 is disposed on the display 101, theelectronic device 100 may in some embodiments display the UI 30 awayfrom the auxiliary input device 20. For example, a UI 31 may bedisplayed around the disposition of the auxiliary input device 20 on thedisplay 101, as shown in FIG. 6D.

Referring to FIG. 6D, when the auxiliary input device 20 is disposed onthe display 101, the electronic device 100 may detect the placement ofthe auxiliary input device 20, and display the UI 31 around theauxiliary input device 20. For example, for a circular auxiliary inputdevice 20, the UI 31 may display as a circle having a concentric circlesurrounding the auxiliary input device 20 and having a wider area thanthe auxiliary input device 20. The UI 31 may vary according to theoperation of the auxiliary input device 20. In this case, since the theauxiliary input device 20 is proximate to the UI 31, the UI 31 may notdisplay another display object corresponding to the indicator, asdisclosed in other embodiments above. The UI 31 may include up and downarrow objects for scrolling through the web screen of the current webbrowsing service. The UI may further include a bookmark object forstoring the current webpage as a favorite webpage. Hence, the user maybe guided by the objects displayed in the UI 31 and perform thecorresponding input by rotating the rotary knob of the auxiliary inputdevice 20 or touching the conductive shaft 223.

The electronic device can detect the placement of the auxiliary inputdevice on the display, and display the UI corresponding to the runningprogram on the display, although a UI need not always be displayed. Theelectronic device may also provide notification information to the userusing auditory output or tactile output based on the rotation of therotary knob. The electronic device may output the notificationinformation corresponding to the rotation of the rotary knob to the userusing voice or sound through the speaker, and vibration through avibrator or a haptic sensor. The electronic device may display the UIcorresponding to the auxiliary input device and concurrently output theauditory or tactile notification information corresponding to therotation of the rotary knob.

FIGS. 7A through 7D depict control of multimedia playback in amultimedia program according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7A, when the playback screen is displayed and theauxiliary input device 20 is disposed on the display 101 of theelectronic device 100, a corresponding UI 40 can be displayed. Thedisplayed UI 40 may be the same as or different from the auxiliary inputdevice 20 in shape. The indicator of the auxiliary input device 20 maybe displayed in the UI. The auxiliary input device 20 may provide afunction for changing the play time. Hence, the displayed UI may displayan object for the user to intuitively perceive the play time selectionfunction.

Referring to FIG. 7B, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary input device20 is rotated clockwise, the indicator of the UI may also be moved tothe corresponding playback location, and concurrently, the currentplayback time can be changed to a fast forwarded play time correspondingto the selected playback location.

Referring to FIG. 7C, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary input device20 is rotated counterclockwise, the indicator of the UI may also bemoved to the corresponding playback location and concurrently thecurrent play time can be changed to a rewound playback timecorresponding to the selected playback location.

Referring to FIG. 7D, when the multimedia is played and the conductiveshaft 223 of the auxiliary input device 20 is touched, a mode can bechanged. The touch can include at least one of tap touch, double clicktouch, or long press touch. When a particular touch is applied, therotary knob is rotated. Thus, the mode may be switched from playbackcontrol to a volume control function of the played multimedia, a jogshuttle function for continuously controlling the screen search or theplay speed, or an edit function, etc.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C depict image display in an image viewer programaccording to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8A, when an image is displayed and the auxiliary inputdevice 20 is disposed on the display 101 of the electronic device 100, acorresponding UI 50 can be displayed. The displayed UI 50 can be thesame as or different from the auxiliary input device 20 in shape. Theindicator of the auxiliary input device 20 can thus be displayed in theUI. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the auxiliary inputdevice 20 can magnify and demagnify the image. Hence, the displayed UImay display an object for the user to intuitively perceive imagemagnification and demagnification.

Referring to FIG. 8B, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary input device20 is rotated clockwise, the indicator of the UI 50 is also moved to thecorresponding location and concurrently the current image can bemagnified.

Referring to FIG. 8C, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary input device20 is rotated counterclockwise, the indicator of the UI 50 is also movedto the corresponding location and concurrently the current image can bedemagnified.

The touch on the conductive shaft 223 of the fixing body may switch theauxiliary input device 20 to a different control function. For example,various functions may include entering a browsing mode, searching theimage in the browsing mode, or storing a particular image to a temporaryfolder.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C depict an e-book displayed in an e-book viewerprogram according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when an e-book is displayed and the auxiliaryinput device 20 is put on the display 101 of the electronic device 100,a corresponding UI 60 can be displayed. The displayed UI 60 may be thesame as or different from the auxiliary input device 20 in shape. Theindicator of the auxiliary input device 60 may be displayed in the UI.The auxiliary input device 20 may be used to change pages within thee-book. Hence, the displayed UI can display an object allowing the userto intuitively control and perceive the e-book page changes.

Referring to FIG. 9B, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary input device20 is rotated counterclockwise, the indicator of the UI 60 may also bemoved to the corresponding location and concurrently the current e-bookpage can be turned to a next page.

Referring to FIG. 9C, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary input device20 is rotated clockwise, the indicator of the UI 60 may also be moved tothe corresponding location and concurrently the current e-book page canbe turned to a previous page.

The touch on the conductive shaft 223 of the fixing body can be switchto activate a different function. For example, various functionsexecutable by touch inputs made to the conductive shaft 223 may includethe bookmark function, a dog ear function, a preview function, a chapterjump function, and an edit function.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a dial-type input object displayed in a lockprogram according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10A, when the lock program is executed and theauxiliary input device 20 is disposed on the display 101 of theelectronic device 100, a corresponding UI 70 can be displayed. Thedisplayed UI 70 may be a dial-type object. The auxiliary input device 60may be used to select a digit or a character in the dial-type UI 70. Theauxiliary input device 20 may be utilized to enter a password in apassword input window 71. The dial-type UI 70 may also display thecorresponding indicator according to the rotation of the rotary knob.When the user touches the conductive shaft 223 at the correspondinglocation, the digit corresponding to the current indicator can beentered into the password input window.

Referring to FIG. 10B, when the rotary knob of the auxiliary inputdevice 20 is rotated, the indicator may be placed at a differentlocation, and then, as the control panel is manipulated, thecorresponding digit or character may be entered to the password inputwindow. The user may release the lock by sequentially entering the digitcorresponding to the password input window 71 according to touch tappingthe control panel, and then applying a touch click or the long presstouch to the control panel.

The electronic device 100 may also recognize the auxiliary input device20 and make a call using the dial-type object as the UI.

When a game program is executed, the electronic device 100 may controlthe movements and actions of a game object displayed on the display 101using the auxiliary input device 20.

When a broadcasting program is executed, the electronic device 100 mayprovide various functions for controlling a current broadcasting screenusing the auxiliary input device 20. For example, the electronic device100 may performs various functions such as channel switch, volumecontrol, a channel information search, and link, during the broadcastingscreen output using the auxiliary input device 20.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for operating the auxiliary inputdevice of the electronic device according to an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device can identify the type of theauxiliary input device by detecting the touch pattern of the auxiliaryinput device in step 1101. The electronic device can detect theauxiliary input device on the display, identify the type of theauxiliary input device, and determine whether the auxiliary input deviceis available for the input.

In step 1103, the electronic device may identify an executing program.The electronic device can identify the executing program, and displaythe UI relating to the corresponding program on the display. When thereis no executing program, the electronic device may display the UIrelating to the default function of the system. When there is neitherthe executing program nor the default function of the system, theelectronic device may output the notification information indicating theauxiliary input device is not available for use presently. Thenotification information can include at least one of the auditory outputthrough the speaker, the visual output on the display, or the tactileoutput using the vibrator.

Next, the electronic device can determine whether the input event of theauxiliary input device occurs in step 1105, and perform thecorresponding function of the running program according to the inputevent in step 1107. The electronic device can determine whether thefunction corresponding to the running program is conducted. Theelectronic device can determine whether the rotary knob of the auxiliaryinput device is rotated or whether the control panel of the fixing bodyis touched. The electronic device can detect the movement of the touchpattern below the rotary knob and thus perform the functioncorresponding to the running program. The electronic device can detectthe touch input of the touch panel of the fixing body and thus performthe function corresponding to the running program. The touch inputdetected through the control panel may include at least one of the taptouch, the double click touch, or the long press touch.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for operating the auxiliary inputdevice of the electronic device according to an example embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device can detect the touch patternof the auxiliary input device in step 1201. The electronic device candetect the auxiliary input device on the display, identify the type ofthe auxiliary input device, and determine whether the auxiliary inputdevice is available for the input.

In step 1203, the electronic device can identify the executing program.In step 1205, the electronic device can determine whether the auxiliaryinput device supports the executing program.

When the auxiliary input device supports the executing program, theelectronic device may display the UI of the auxiliary input device onthe display in step 1207. The electronic device may display the UIrelating to the corresponding executing program on the display.

When the auxiliary input device does not support the running program instep 1205, the electronic device can output the notification informationindicating the auxiliary input device is unavailable for use. Thenotification information executing include at least one of the auditoryoutput through the speaker, the visual output on the display, or thetactile output using the vibrator.

Next, the electronic device executing determine whether the input eventof the auxiliary input device occurs in step 1209, and perform thecorresponding function of the executing program according to the inputevent in step 1211. The electronic device executing determine whetherthe function corresponding to the executing program was implemented. Theelectronic device executing determine whether the rotary knob of theauxiliary input device is rotated or the control panel of the fixingbody is touched. The electronic device executing detect the movement ofthe touch pattern below the rotary knob and thus perform the functioncorresponding to the running program. The electronic device executingdetect the touch input of the control panel of the fixing body and thusperform the function corresponding to the running program. The touchinput detected through the control panel executing include at least oneof the tap touch, the double click touch, or the long press touch.

The fixing body may include two or more control panels of the auxiliaryinput device.

The rotary knob of the auxiliary input device may include two or moreindicators at intervals.

The methods as described in the claims and/or the specification ofexample embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented usinghardware, software, or a combination of them.

As for the software, a computer-readable storage medium including one ormore programs (software modules) can be provided. One or more programsstored in the computer-readable storage medium can be configured forexecution by one or more processors of the electronic device. One ormore programs include instructions for controlling the electronic deviceto execute the methods according to the example embodiments as describedin the claims and/or the specification of the present disclosure.

Such a program (software module, software) can be stored to a randomaccess memory, a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, a ReadOnly Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), amagnetic disc storage device, a Compact Disc (CD)-ROM, Digital VersatileDiscs (DVDs) or other optical storage devices, and a magnetic cassette.Alternatively, the programs can be stored to a memory combining part orall of those recording media. A plurality of memories can be equipped.

The programs can be stored in an attachable storage device accessiblevia a communication network such as Internet, Intranet, Local AreaNetwork (LAN), Wide LAN (WLAN), or Storage Area Network (SAN), or acommunication network by combining these networks. The storage devicecan access the present electronic device through an external port. Aseparate storage device may access the present electronic device over acommunication network.

As set forth above, the auxiliary input device can reduce themanufacturing cost without having to use a separate power supply, andachieve the simplified manipulation and the enhanced usage by providingthe intuitive dynamic input method to the user.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference tocertain example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the ambit of the disclosure as defined bythe appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a touch screenfor detecting a touch input; a memory; and at least one processorconfigured to: detect that an auxiliary input device is positioned onthe touch screen, in response to detecting the auxiliary input device,identify whether a first application is being executed; in case that thefirst application is being executed, display a first user interfaceassociated with the auxiliary input device and the first application;and in case that the first application is not being executed, display adefault user interface associated with the auxiliary input device and anoperating system of the electronic device.
 2. A method for operating anelectronic device, comprising: detecting that an auxiliary input deviceis positioned on a touch screen of the electronic device, in response todetecting the auxiliary input device, identifying whether a firstapplication is being executed; in case that the first application isbeing executed, displaying, on the touch screen, a first user interfaceassociated with the auxiliary input device and the first application;and in case that the first application is not being executed,displaying, on the touch screen, a default user interface associatedwith the auxiliary input device and an operating system of theelectronic device.
 3. A system, comprising: an electronic device and anauxiliary input device; wherein the electronic device comprising: atouch screen for detecting a touch input; a memory; and at least oneprocessor configured to: detect that the auxiliary input device ispositioned on the touch screen, in response to detecting the auxiliaryinput device, identify whether a first application is being executed; incase that the first application is being executed, display a first userinterface associated with the auxiliary input device and the firstapplication; and in case that the first application is not beingexecuted, display a default user interface associated with the auxiliaryinput device and an operating system of the electronic device, andwherein the auxiliary input device comprising: a fixing body; and arotary knob rotating relative to the fixing body, and wherein the atleast one processor is further configured to a function of the firstapplication or the operating system according to the rotary knob beingrotated.